Can I really aspire to become a software engineer?

Even though I graduated from high school with a math major in France, I ended up studying Applied Foreign Languages. After experiencing different types of jobs, I became more and more aware that having only language skills was not sufficient. I definitely needed to learn new ones in order to stand above other candidates. So I decided to study ILTS at Paris Diderot where we had a basic introduction to programming. Unfortunately that enthusiasm was interrupted due to my family relocating to the USA. The seed had certainly been planted.

Then, at my last job as a French and Arabic localization specialist, I got to work closely with engineers. My manager instilled in me the necessary confidence needed to not be intimidated by any new engineering tool that I may encounter. I was eager to learn more. I truly believe that with the right mentor and supportive environment you can achieve things that you could have never possibly thought you can do. If I come across a complex situation or problem, I relentlessly try to figure things out. I like challenges and I have an insatiable curiosity. Quite strangely, the every changing engineering environment brings me a lot of joy. There is nothing more rewarding than trying different things to finally find a solution after working hard at it.

Furthermore, I happen to now live in the heart of Silicon Valley where I got to meet a few software engineers that are very passionate about their careers. I am also fascinated to see their problem solving abilities and their lust for an answer. I can relate to this passion. I started saying to myself that maybe I should have chosen this path early on but that it was probably too late now.

Then I stumbled on an article in the siliconvalley.blog.lemonde.fr with a rather catchy title “Ces Français qui veulent apprendre aux Américains à coder” about the Holberton School. I was immediately interested in applying as you don’t need any specific degree and no age limit is required to enter the school. I also like the fact that it’s based on hands-on projects rather than classes. Having worked alone as a freelance as well as working within a team, I know for a fact that I learned ten times more and faster with a team than by myself.

The selection process is fair as it’s test-based rather than relying on your experience, education or background. I, therefore, have nothing to loose. I will be able to assess if this is a something I should even contemplate doing. It’s the perfect opportunity for a woman like myself who is considering a career change. I also like the fact that the university is open 7 days a week, which provides the necessary flexibly to be able to achieve the 60-hour per week workload. Paying for the school in the years following your first job is a brilliant idea and is a guarantee for me that it’s not yet another degree that will not help me land a real job.

My dream of becoming a software engineer might be closer than I think after all.